I've tried a zillion face serums and these are the best of the best

Some people take immense pride in attaining 'wine connoisseur' status; a title that whilst often given to one by onself after one too many glasses, conveys a deep appreciation for the subject with a deep knowledge to match . However, as one of the few people on the planet who couldn't care less about Cabernet and is truly only interested in wine for its skin care benefits, my pride instead rests on my comprehensive grip on an entirely different liquid subject: Serums.
Yep, I take my (similarly self-proclaimed) status as a serum specialist pretty seriously, because I know that whilst we may have a handle on the science-y stuff (in a nutshell, they get all the good stuff deep down into the dermis), sometimes it can be hard to get a handle on which ones really do work wonders.
That's where I come in. As bh's skin care editor, I've swatched, pumped, droppered and applied just about every serum formula in the game - and whilst the excitement around a new launch rivals Christmas Day in my books, a fresh formula has to be real good to lure me away from my tried and true topicals. Because whilst I've tested about a zillion, there are still a few standouts that keep me coming back time and time again.
So without further ado, here's bh's edit of the best face serums - apply now, thank me later.
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#1 L'OCCITANE Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum
Read L'OCCITANE Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum reviews...
A serious saviour in those dire (but common) 'I-watched-Netflix-til-3am-and-have-to-be-at-work-by-8' scenarios, this bad boy works like a piccolo for the skin - in other words, it makes you look awake, even if you don't feel it. It's designed specifically for overnight use, but I tend to apply a few drops in the A.M. as well to put some etxra pep in my skin's step. It works to smooth stress lines, fight visible signs of ageing and get you glowing quickly when you need it the most.
#2 Raww Light Beam Radiance Serum
Read Raww Light Beam Radiance Serum reviews...
If the search for radiance is on your radar, look no further. This serum is supercharged with Raww's own Tropical Fruit Harvest™ bioactive complex, a combo of AHA rich fruits like mango, papaya and pineapple - I know they sound like they would better suit a smoothie, but a few drops in you'll understand why they belong in a serum. It's as if someone's turned up the brightness, but like not on your phone, on your real-life face. It also smells like paradise, so that's a perk.
#3 Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega + Complex Serum
Read Paula’s Choice RESIST Omega + Complex Serum reviews...
The way I feel about Paula's Choice is probably akin to the way the rest of the world feels about Beyonce. This superstar serum is all about strenghtening the skin's barrier, and boy does it deliver. Enriched with a robust and rejuvenating blend of omega fatty acids like flax, chia and linoleic acid, it protects against signs of ageing, works to combat dehydation and even protects against environmental damage - phew, talk about an overachiever.
#4 Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum Concentrate
Read Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum Concentrate reviews...
Gaining cult status in the serum space is no easy feat, but trust me, this Ultraceuticals formula is worthy. It's pretty much the ultimate brightness booster, formulated with bearberry extract and vitamin B3 to improve elasticity, even tone and remove dull dead skin cells. The AHAs and BHAs featured within the mix also help to soften and smooth your complexion, whilst also refining pores and balancing excess oil. If it sounds powerful, that's because it is: we recommend a professional consultation with an Ultraceuticals expert before use to ensure it's the right fit for your skin needs.
#5 Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum
Read Ella Baché Hydra Hyaluronic Cellular Serum reviews...
Keen to claim back the hydration the wind stole from you throughout winter? This serum is up to the challenge. Packed with hyaluronic acid, which as we all know, is the gold standard in moisturising ingredients, it can hydrate the heck out of even the dullest, driest, most dehydrated complexion. The nourishing formula also includes apple peel polyphenols to aid with antioxidant protection, so it'll even work to keep skin guarded against environmental aggressors. We'll take ten.
#6 Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum
Read Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Serum reviews...
A hydrating serum so lightweight that even the oiliest of skin types needn't be afraid, this clever concoction is formulated with 3D3P Molecular Matrix technology (a legit name for a legit structure) - it draws moisture from the atmosphere and locks it in, forming a personal water reservoir on the skin's surface, allowing your parched complexion to drink up the moisture it requires. It's also non-comodegenic and clinically tested on all skin types, so it won't clog your pores or irritate your sensitive skin. Enjoy.
#7 Lellure Micro Radiance Serum
Read Lellure Micro Radiance Serum reviews...
If you can't be bothered with a daily contour in a bid to restore definition to your face, allow this gravity-defying formula to do the work for you. It actually performs some kind of lifting/firming miracle to improve the look of facial contours. The blue micro-pearls burst upon contact with skin, releasing the brand's PRO Peptides Complex™, which encourages collagen production, smoothes the skin and aids regeneration whilst heping your face look more defined. In other words, hello cheekbones - we missed you.
#8 freezeframe® BOOST SERUM
Read freezeframe® BOOST SERUM reviews...
Billed by the brand as the world's most powerful long-term wrinkle relaxer, this fragrance-free formula is pure active peptide with minimal carriers, so the active ingredient is ready to get right to work. The results are impressive, yes, but it's the rollerball applicator that sealed the deal for me - it takes even the hastiest of applications to spa-like levels of serenity, whilst also boosting circulation and assisting with ingredient penetration. It's very effective, - honestly, have your licence at the ready next time you hit the bottle shop, just to be safe.
Main image credit: @loccitane
*This article has been updated since it's original publication date.
Which serum is your favourite? Have you tried any of the formulas mentioned in this article?
117 Member Comments
Thanks for the list of serums
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Thanks for this list.
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1 sounds like something I need.
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I am addicted to serums, I use them morning and night, they have so many benefits, can be pricey but definitely worth adding to your routine.
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I like the sound of the Raww one
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Such a great array of Serums all look like they would be great for your Skin, definitely anything with Vitamin C and antioxidants
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Great products. I've tried all ot them. But I want to share with you what's better than any other cream or balm out there. What I currently use is LED therapy face mask. I saw Jessica Alba wearing this mask, claiming to be the best product ever for treating everything from acne to ezcema and ageing skin. My first toughts were that they've paid her to say that, but decided not to jump on conclusions, so I purchased the model she was using. For my surprise this thing actually WORKS! I have been using this mask for 1 year now and must admit that my skin has never been so firm and even before. I am sharing the link where I got my mask from, but you do your own research. I like this model because it covers the neck area, as well, which is a problem area for me! Here is the link: https://www.gizmobucks.com/products/2-types-7-colors-electric-led-facial-mask-face-mask-machine-light-therapy-acne-mask-neck-beauty-led-mask-led-photon-therapy
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These serums all look divine, want to try them all.
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RAWW looks interesting
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I have not tried any of these brands , definitely added this to my favourites and will be looking at trying some , thank you BH!
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Immediately added this post to my favourites - I love a good serum- I couldn't live without them now. Some skincare trends come and go - serums are here for good.
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I'm a real serum lover too. They are so great for the skin!
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This is a great list to try.
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love a good hydrating serum
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Yes, have used Ella bache HA serum and liked. Only not the fragrance in it, otherwise great
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Serums are my favorite skin care product Would love to try the Lellure one in particular
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I've tried L'Occitane's Immortelle Overnight Reset Serum. It feels nice but no noticeable difference to my skin.
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I haven't found a serum that I really love yet. Will keep trying!
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I also have started using serums as a serious part of my routine as they improve the application of moisturiser. This is probably the most used product I have now but they are the most expensive too so I am grateful if I get to trial any or if they are on offer at an event.
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love a good face serum, although ive never tried any of these so id love to purchase them in future.
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Never heard about any of these serums, I love using them and would like to try some of these
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Such a great array of Serums all look like they would be great for your Skin, definitely anything with Vitamin C and antioxidants makes your skin glow.
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PS - Delaney/BH team, there’s a typo in the L’Occitane description, needs a little ‘extra’ attention if you catch my drift, and also in the link to the pimple patches article. Cue the cute patches ;-)
(Sorry, copy editor and proofreader for a living, can’t help myself.)
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I managed to score myself two ‘free’ 5ml sample bottles of the L’Occitane one today—one as a GWP and one as a scratchie win as part of its birthday celebrations. Good opportunity to try before I consider buying.
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They looks so nice! I want to splurge and treat myself.
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